Explore the world of natural stones in our in-depth guide! Learn about the unique properties, origins, and care for each type of stone—from the enduring strength of granite to the luxurious beauty of marble.

Dolomite

Granite

Granite is an extremely hard, crystalline rock formed deep beneath the Earth’s surface through the slow cooling of magma.

• Composed of feldspar, quartz, and small amounts of other minerals.
• Highly resistant to damage and wear, making it ideal for countertops and floors.
• Requires less frequent maintenance compared to marble but demands specialized care for polishing.

Limestone

Limestone is a porous, marine sedimentary rock mainly composed of calcite. While soft, some compact forms of limestone can be polished to a high gloss.

    Features of Limestone:

• Naturally textured and ideal for softer, elegant designs.
• Requires regular sealing to protect from stains and moisture.

Marble

Marble is a premium natural stone, often admired for its timeless beauty and luxurious appeal.

• Composed of 99% calcium carbonate.
• Forms when limestone undergoes heat and pressure in metamorphic conditions.
• Known for its polished finish, distinct veins, and color variations due to impurities like silicates and iron.

    Marble Uses:

• Flooring, countertops, bathrooms, and decorative surfaces.
• Requires periodic polishing and sealing to maintain its brilliance.

Onyx

Onyx is a translucent stone formed in cold mineral springs through calcite precipitation. It often displays striking layers and patterns, making it ideal for statement pieces like countertops and decorative panels.

Quartzite

Quartzite is a metamorphic rock formed from sandstone where quartz grains fuse together.

• Extremely hard and durable.
• Resistant to stains and scratches, making it perfect for countertops and floors.

Sandstone

Serpentine is a rock primarily composed of hydrated magnesium silicate. Known for its snake-like patterns, it comes in shades of:

• Green
• Yellow
• Brown

Many “green marbles” are actually serpentines, prized for their unique textures and colors.

Serpentine

A rock primarily composed of hydrated magnesium silicate in:

• • Green;

• • Yellow;

• • Brown.

It is named for its resemblance to snake skin. Many so-called green marbles are, in fact, serpentines, not marbles.

Siliceous Stone

Siliceous stones, rich in silicate and silica content, are highly resistant to acid and wear. Examples include granite and quartzite, which are harder to polish compared to calcite stones.

Slate

Slate is a fine-grained metamorphic rock that splits into thin sheets. It is composed of silica and alumina, making it durable and suitable for roofing, flooring, and outdoor surfaces.

Soapstone

Soapstone, or steatite, contains at least 50% talc, giving it a soft, soapy texture. It is highly resistant to heat, making it ideal for countertops, sinks, and fireplace surrounds.

Terrazzo

Terrazzo is an artificial stone made from chips of marble, granite, or glass mixed with cement and polished for a smooth, elegant finish. It offers a cost-effective alternative to natural marble while retaining a similar aesthetic.

Travertine

Travertine is a calcite-based stone formed in hot mineral springs.

    Features of Travertine:

• Exhibits a natural pitted texture.
• Comes in shades of ivory, golden brown, and reddish hues.
• Hardens over time, making it a durable option for flooring and wall cladding.